What's Happening: July 4

The Market returns 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on July 5. Stop in and enjoy the A/C and our shops.

Spaces are still available. For more info, call 352-465-8000.

Friends of the Library offer BOGO July sale

Our July sale is right up your alley,

the books you buy will begin to tally.

Come one, come all to the library bookstore.

We have books to sell and so much more.

But our newest sale is for all to see

and to buy a book and get one free.

This is a sale you really shouldn’t miss.

With so many books, you’ll be in reading bliss

So come on in and take a look.

You’re certain to find that perfect book.

The Friends of the Dunnellon Library Bookstore is located inside the library behind Publix. They are open 10 a.m-4 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays.

DuHS football seeking sponsors

The Dunnellon High School Football Program is currently seeking sponsors for their upcoming season.

Options include field sign advertising, concession support and program advertising.

Visit Dunnellonchamber.com or see the link below for information before July 31: https://is.gd/Xqlwa1.

Bostick Street temporarily closed July 5-6 for festival

Motorists can expect temporary road closures from 11924 Bostick Street to 11899 Bostick Street (directly in front of Ernie Mills Park) from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. July 5-6, during the Dunnellon Springs Festival.

Barricades will be placed to block traffic. Signs will redirect traffic around the event toward detour paths.

Peace Lutheran Church offers community meal

Peace Lutheran Church, the “Church on the Hill” at the intersection of highways 40 and 41, is offering its next community meal from 4:30-6 p.m. Monday, July 21.

The menu includes fried chicken, sides, beverage and desserts.

Our community meals are free of charge to all. Please come.

Call 352-489-5881 for details.

Citrus County Genealogical Society meets July 8

The Citrus County Genealogical Society meets at 10 a.m. on July 8 at the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, 3474 W Southern St, Lecanto.

The speaker is Sara Cochran, who’ll talk about “No OMPF? No Problem: Stories of WWI and WWII Veterans.” Researching 20th century veterans is especially difficult as a fire destroyed millions of Official Military Personnel Files in 1973. This class will look at other ways to find the stories of WWI and WWII veterans in our families.

Guests are welcome. For info, contact Mary Ann Machonkin at 352-382-5515.

Free meals for students in summer

For many students, meals at school during the regular school year are the most nutritious meals they eat. Sometimes, those meals are the only meals students eat.

Marion County Public Schools once again offers free breakfast and lunch meals to all students 18 years and younger without any questions asked or paperwork required. Students can simply show up at their closest serving location and enjoy the food provided by the district’s Summer Feeding Program.

Funded through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the program requires sites to have congregate feeding, meaning meals served must be consumed onsite. Meals are not prepared for takeout.

The program continues through July 28 depending on location. School sites are also closed on Fridays and July 4, with other dates and times varying based on location.

Romeo Elementary: now to July 2

DMS and DHS: now to July 17 (closed July 3-4)

Boys & Girls Club of Dunnellon: now to July 31 (closed July 4)

Brick City Brewers meet July 13

Are you looking for a new hobby? Have you ever wanted to brew your own beer, cider, or mead? Join Ocala’s “original” homebrewing club! Members of Brick City Brewers meet monthly to share homebrews, knowledge, and recipes. We also participate in beer festivals throughout the year, partnering with local charities to raise money for worthy causes. And we have a lot of fun doing it!

Why not join us for our next meeting? We’ll be at Juniper General Store – 6998 U.S. 27 Suite 112, Ocala – at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, July 13.

Keep Brick City Brewers’ news and events at your fingertips by bookmarking our new website: brickcitybrewers.great-site.net

Friend of the Ocala Public Library clearance sale

Friends of the Ocala Public Library is holding its next clearance book sale in August at the Ocala Public Library headquarters meeting rooms, 2720 Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. The sale for members only is from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1. Memberships are available at the door. The sale opens to the general public 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 2.

Proceeds of the sale benefit children and adult programs, materials, audio and ebooks, and staff development at Ocala main, Reddick, Ft. McCoy, and Sankofa branches of the Marion County Public Library system.

All children’s books and all paperback books are 25 cents each, and all hardbacks are 50 cents each. Cash and checks only.

Hands-on Woodturners meets monthly

Serving West Central Florida, Hands-on Woodturners (HOW) meets at 6:45 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month. Meetings are held at the Lions Club, 72 Civic Circle, Beverly Hills.

Individuals interested in the woodturning craft are welcome to attend. Club meetings include the display of members’ work, woodturning demonstrations, and opportunities that increase the interest and skills of woodturners. Guests are always welcome.

Visit our website: Howturners.com.

Free cancer screenings for Marion County veterans

The Vet Resource Center in Ocala is offering free multi-cancer detection tests on site at their location at the Veterans Helping Veterans facility on East Silver Springs Blvd in Ocala.

Based on available funding, Marion County veterans who served in Vietnam and the Gulf Wars with “boots on the ground” are eligible for the screenings. Testing is quick and easy. These tests can help detect more than 50 types of cancer.

Veterans who might be affected are urged to call 352-433-2320 to make a free screening appointment.

Community Thrift Shop seeks volunteers

Located at 20359 E. Pennsylvania Ave., the Dunnellon Community Thrift Shop is in need of several reliable, year-round volunteers. We serve the community 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday with an all-volunteer staff of 35-40 people, who each work one four-hour shift a week. It is a great opportunity to make new friends and to be made aware of the many organizations that help make Dunnellon such a pleasant place to live.

The volunteers work in teams of 4-5 people, sorting and pricing the clothing and small household items donated to us and arranging them within the shop. Prices are kept low and there is always something on sale at half price.

All the profits made in the shop are donated on a monthly basis to organizations, clubs and individuals in need of community support.

If you have four spare hours a week and are looking for a meaningful way to contribute to your community, stop by the shop and ask the cashier for an application form.

Weekly bingo at St. John

Bingo is every Tuesday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Parish Hall, at 7525 S. U.S. 41, Dunnellon.

Lots of fun and prizes. Lunch is available for a nominal fee. Everyone has fun until someone yells bingo!

Weekly bingo at Dunnellon American Legion

Every Thursday night there is bingo at the American Legion Post 58, 10730 S. U.S. 41, Dunnellon, next to Walmart. Doors open at 2 p.m., food is available for purchase at 4 p.m., and bingo games start at 6 p.m. Bingo cards are sold starting at 4 p.m. Cash only.

American Legion hosts monthly flea market in Dunnellon

American Legion Post 58 in Dunnellon sponsors a flea market the third Saturday of every month. Hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event is held at the post at 10730 S. U.S. 41, next to Walmart in Dunnellon.

There are indoor AC booths and larger outside spaces. A wide range of new/old, vintage items and collectibles including coins are available.

Try chair yoga

Chair yoga for all shapes and sizes is only $3 11 a.m. to noon Tuesdays at the Woman’s Club of Dunnellon at 11756 Cedar St. This is a fun class, come join Linda and the group.

Type 1 diabetes support group meets monthly

Do you have type 1 diabetes? Join our support group! We meet at 6 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month at River Life Church, 2872 W. Dunnellon Road. For all ages and caregivers!

Country Quilters meet weekly

The Dunnellon Country Quilters meets at 12:30 p.m. every Monday at the First Methodist Church of Dunnellon, 21501 W. State Road 40, Dunnellon.

The group makes patriotic quilts for veterans, pillowcases for Shands Children’s Cancer Center, prayer quilts for the First Methodist Church of Dunnellon and quilts for the Romeo Elementary School.

They also have classes for different projects and go on road trips and attend quilt shows.

Every third Monday of each month, they hold their business meeting and show what they’ve made.

All levels of quilters and prospective quilters are welcome to visit. For information, email rrutkowski@bellsouth.net.

Caregiver support group meets at library

The Dunnellon Caregiver Support Group meets at noon on the first and third Thursdays of each month in the Dunnellon Public Library, 20351 Robinson Road.

If you’ve just become a caregiver or are already caregiving, get information and support that are critical to caregivers. If you’ve been a caregiver, please come and share your insights and support. All are welcome.

Call 352-322-0258.

Dunnellon Methodist offers relief services

The Forget Me Not Ministry, sponsored by Dunnellon Methodist, serves Dunnellon and surrounding communities. Caregivers for frail, elderly or Alzheimer’s and ill patients may find relief for a few hours a week.

Caregivers have the hardest job of all, since their care is needed 24 hours a day, leaving them little time for personal time or relief. This ministry will give them a few hours off to run personal errands, shop or just get away for a much-needed emotional break.

Our church volunteers are a very caring and compassionate group who treat everyone with love.

We meet from 1-4 p.m. Tuesday afternoons in the Friendship Hall at the church.

This is a free ministry and is offered to anyone who needs a little relief.

Those interested in applying for Caregiver Relief may either come on Tuesday to check out our ministry at 21501 W. State Road 40 or call the church office at 352-489-4026 and leave a message for Grace Burks.

TOPS meets weekly

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) has a wonderful local group that is friendly, supportive, conversational and continuously sharing healthy eating short cuts.

The TOPS group meets weekly on Thursday afternoons. Weigh-in is between 2:30-3 p.m., held in a private room. Only you and the weight recorders see your weight. Our meetings start at 3 p.m. and last an hour. Meetings are held at the Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church, in their meeting hall, at 9425 N. Citrus Springs Blvd. in Citrus Springs. There is a sign as you enter the driveway to the church that points you to exactly where we meet.

You can actually visit two of our meetings for free and decide if it’s something you’d benefit from.

For more information, you could call our TOPS leader, Chris Weider, at 352-465-7861, or our co-leader, Paula Walker, at 239-222-9701.

General Francis Stamp Club meets twice monthly

We’re welcoming new members for the new year. If you have any questions about a collection you have acquired, we’ll be happy to assist you.

The General Francis Stamp Club meets from 12:30-2 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at the sheriff’s substation at 9048 SW State Road 200.

If you have any questions email elliotn27@aol.com

City in need of pension board volunteers

The City of Dunnellon needs civic-minded volunteers to serve on the Fire & Police Pension Board of Trustees. City residence and attendance at quarterly meetings is required.

If you’re interested in volunteering your time, notify the City Clerk at 352-465-8500 or obtain an application at www.dunnellon.org.

Ocala Christian Women’s Connection lists luncheons

All Ocala Christian Women’s Connection luncheons are held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Country Club of Ocala, 6823 SE 12th Circle. Prepaid reservations of $28 are required. Call Barb at 612-810-0022 or Bonnie at 407-314-8313 for payments and info.

The July 22 luncheon, Dog Days of Summer, features patriotic service dogs and the WOOF program. Jo Wright speaks on the topic, “Is Anyone Out There Perfect?” Prepaid reservations are due by July 14.

The August luncheon, Tropical Paradise, is set for Aug. 26. It features “Face the Day” with Dottie Rarhel, and Sandy Penvose, of Tampa, speaks on the topic, “Dorothy Was Right: There is No Place Like Home.” Prepaid reservations are due by Aug. 18.

On Sept. 23, the Connection hosts its Voices for the Wild Luncheon, featuring the Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary (EARS). Judy Clark, of Winter Garden, is speaking on the topic, “A Directionally Challenged Thrill Seeker No Longer Loses Her Way.” Prepaid reservations are due by Sept. 15.

Check out a farm swap in Dunnellon

Dunnellon Sparr Building and Farm Supply holds a farm swap twice a month from 8 a.m. to noon the first and third Saturdays at 2915 W. Dunnellon Road.

Buy, sell or trade poultry, livestock, anything and everything farm-related.

They are also looking for a food vendor, so if you or somebody you know has a food truck, trailer or food cart and would like to sell at the swaps, contact them at 352-462-6670.

Water and restrooms conveniently located, as well as drinks and snacks. They suggest sellers bring either a canopy or umbrella as there is limited shade.

This is a fairly new farm swap; it was previously the Dunnellon Tractor Supply Co. farm swap.

Restaurant hosts classic car shows

The Front Porch Restaurant & Pie Shop in South Dunnellon hosts a “cruise in” classic car show from 4-7 p.m. the last Wednesday of the month.

Bring your classic car and get a free slice of pie!

The restaurant is at 12039 N. Florida Ave., Dunnellon.

Master the Possibilities announces new summer courses

Master the Possibilities (MTP) announces two new courses in July:

Silent Wings: The Daring Glider Pilots of World War II

Instructor: Edith Gandy

July 17, 10-noon

Live Oak Hall; Course # SPE290

Members $5; general public $10

U.S. glider pilots spearheaded major World War II invasions in concert with Allied forces, delivering thousands of troops into combat. They had the reputation of being tough and were known to brag that the “G” on their pilot wings stood for “guts.” Learn about these pilots and their role in World War II from Edith Gandy, daughter of a World War II glider pilot.

History, Prisoners, and Escapes of Famous Island Prisons

Instructor: Lisa Didier

July 28, 1:30-3 p.m.

Room 4; Course # HIS444

Members $16; general public $21

Montecristo, Devil’s Island, Pantelleria, and Alcatraz are all famous island prisons, but what is the back story behind what life was like in these prisons? Discover who their most famous prisoners were, why they were sent, and the truth about the men who succeeded in escaping.

MTP is located in On Top of the World: 8415 SW 80th St., Suite 2, Ocala.

To register, and for more information on courses offered at MTP, visit masterthepossibilities.org.

Marion County Veterans Park offers cross program

Marion County Veterans Memorial Park has launched a cross program to honor service members who’ve passed away. Veterans’ families can now honor deceased loved ones and friends by purchasing a cross with a mounted flag and emblazoned with their name, branch of service and military conflict in which they served.

The crosses will be displayed at the Marion County Veterans Park for a full week before and after Memorial Day and Veterans Day every year in perpetuity.

Crosses can be purchased by calling 352-804-6953.

Visit: marionvetpark.com

Veterans Helping Veterans introduces mobile unit

Veterans Helping Veterans USA announces the addition of a mobile unit (RV) to expand the services offered to veterans in rural areas.

Veterans Helping Veterans USA, in conjunction with the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, now offers a mobile unit (RV) to provide free social services for needy or homeless veterans in underserved rural areas. Services include basic medical care, financial aid, mental health counseling and other critical services plus delivery of items such as blankets, soap, food and other essentials of everyday living.

Veterans in rural areas of Marion, Levy, Alachua and surrounding counties can take advantage of the mobile unit’s services.

For a full list of our services and to donate, visit: www.vhvusa.org/what-we-do

Blue Star Mothers meet in Ocala

The Ocala Blue Star Mothers meet at 4 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month on the second floor of Arena 1 at the World Equestrian Center. For information, call Anne Parker: 843-504-0032. This is an organization for mothers of active duty military and veterans. See our website: https://ocalabluestarmothers.org.

Local chapter of Florida Sewing Sew-ciety

Looking for a friendly, general sewing group to sew clothes, accessories, home/gift items and charity projects? We’re the Ocala Chapter of the Florida Sewing Sew-ciety (FSS), a state-wide organization.

The annual membership is $20. All levels of sewing are welcome.

We meet at 8:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at 9048 SW State Road 200, Ocala (located at the back of the sheriff’s substation near the entrance to the Oak Run Community).

If you’d like more information, email us at chenry@atlantic.net.

First Friday Art Walk accepting applications

Applications are now open for the 2025-2026 season of First Friday Art Walk, which returns to Downtown Ocala from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3. The event will continue on the first Friday of each month (with the exception of Jan. 9) through May 2026.

2025-2026 First Friday Art Walk Dates: Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Dec. 5, Jan. 9 (Held on the second Friday of the month), Feb. 6, March 6 (Retro Sounds), April 3 and May 1.

Artists, arts organizations, and business sponsors are invited to apply. To be considered for the full season, applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 2. Applications received after the deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the season. To apply, visit www.ocalafl.gov/artwalk.

For more information, contact the City of Ocala’s Cultural Arts Division at 352-629-8447 or email artinfo@ocalafl.gov.

MCSO dementia program

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office offers the Extra Special Person Memory Impaired Program, designed to help provide family and caregiver support and identify persons with Alzheimer’s or dementia in times of an emergency. This program is designed for persons who may be prone to wandering.

This program depends on referrals received from a citizen, family member or health care provider. Persons assigned to the program receive an ESP ID bracelet.

More information on how to enroll can be obtained from the MCSO Crisis Intervention/Victim Advocate Unit: 352-369-6745.

T.E.A.M. Dad boosts confidence, skills in fathering

A new and free program in North Central Florida helps fathers increase their awareness and knowledge about what it takes to be a good father. T.E.A.M. Dad, which stands for Teaching, Empowering, Advocating for and Mentoring men on their fatherhood journey, is inviting fathers, grandfathers or role models involved with a child under the age of 3 or men with a pregnant partner to enroll.

The program provides a dedicated T.E.A.M. Dad support specialist, who is an experienced father and/or who has received extensive training in the “24/7 Dad” curriculum to meet with fathers for a series of sessions.

Sessions are held at a time and place that is convenient for the participant.

Topics for the sessions include the father’s role, discipline, children’s growth, communication, working with mom and co-parenting, and more.

To enroll in the program call Connect at 877-678-WELL or text 352-415-0091, or learn more by visiting EveryBabyDeservesAHealthyStart.org.

T.E.A.M. Dad is overseen by Healthy Start of North Central Florida Coalition and Central Healthy Start Coalition, which are affiliate partners of WellFlorida Council.